Monday, April 6, 2026
The North West Timber Trade Association (NWTTA), working alongside SR Timber, TFT Wood Experts and Timber Development UK (TDUK), has delivered a focused industry event aimed at improving understanding of roofing batten standards. The Batten Learning Day took place on 26 March 2026 at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool.
The event brought together a wide range of industry professionals. Suppliers attended. Merchants were present. Manufacturers and consultants also joined. The day created a platform for both discussion and hands-on learning.
The programme was designed to address key industry concerns. A strong emphasis was placed on compliance and grading. Delegates also explored treatment processes and product verification. The issue of counterfeit and incorrectly graded battens was a central theme.
Concerns about product quality are rising. Some battens are being marketed as compliant when they are not. This creates serious safety risks. Misgraded timber can fail under load. It may also lack structural integrity.
Poor quality battens can be undersized. They may contain excessive defects. These include knots and fissures. Such weaknesses increase the likelihood of failure. The consequences can be severe for roofers and occupants.
To meet BS5534 requirements, strict specifications must be followed. Battens should measure either 25mm by 38mm or 25mm by 50mm. This applies at a moisture content of 20%. Thickness must not fall below 25mm. Certain tolerances are permitted, but limits remain clear.
Visual grading is essential. Timber must be checked for knots, grain slope, wane and splits. These characteristics determine suitability for roofing use. The process requires both knowledge and experience.
The event opened with a session from SR Timber representatives. They outlined the purpose of the day. Attendees were encouraged to handle and inspect batten samples. This practical approach supported better understanding.
The initiative may expand further. Plans for a nationwide roadshow are being considered. The aim is to strengthen knowledge across the supply chain. Confidence in identifying compliant products is expected to improve.
A diverse audience attended the event. Importers were present. Technical experts contributed. Media and academic representatives also took part. This mix reflected the broad impact of batten compliance.
A regulatory overview was delivered during the morning sessions. Construction product safety frameworks in the UK were explained. The roles of manufacturers and distributors were discussed. Increasing enforcement measures were also highlighted.
It was noted that roofing battens fall outside certain regulatory scopes. This places greater responsibility on the supply chain. Products must still be fit for purpose. Performance expectations remain high.
The importance of timber treatment was also addressed. Moisture remains a key factor in wood degradation. Proper preservative treatment helps extend service life. Roofing battens are generally classified under Use Class 2.
This classification assumes mostly dry conditions. However, exposure to moisture can still occur. Correct treatment ensures durability under such conditions. Understanding these classifications is essential for proper specification.
Technical sessions continued with detailed insights into grading practices. Experts explained how compliant battens are identified. Size, species and growth rate were discussed. Visual indicators were carefully examined.
It was emphasised that markings alone cannot confirm compliance. Colour coding may be misleading. Some products are incorrectly labelled. Verification must go beyond surface appearance.
Delegates were encouraged to assess documentation. Supplier information should be checked thoroughly. Physical inspection remains a critical step. Awareness of grading rules is vital.
The afternoon session included practical exercises. Participants were given sample battens to examine. Both compliant and non-compliant examples were provided. This allowed direct comparison.
The hands-on format proved effective. Confidence among attendees was strengthened. Skills in identifying defects were improved. Practical knowledge was reinforced.
Supply chain responsibility was a recurring topic. Merchants and distributors play a key role. They act as a checkpoint before products reach site. Vigilance is required at every stage.
Attendees were urged to question inconsistencies. Suspicious products should be reported. Due diligence is essential. Industry collaboration was strongly encouraged.
Several key messages emerged during the event. Correct grading remains fundamental. It cannot be replaced by labels or colour codes. Treatment must match the intended use.
Responsibility is shared across the supply chain. This includes those placing products on the market. It also applies to those supplying end users. Accountability is critical.
Education was identified as a key driver of improvement. Ongoing training can raise standards. Collaboration supports better outcomes. Knowledge sharing remains important.
The event demonstrated strong engagement. Industry stakeholders showed clear commitment. Efforts to improve compliance are ongoing. The planned expansion of the initiative reflects this momentum.
Organisers highlighted positive feedback from attendees. Further events are already being considered. The goal is to reach more regions. A more informed supply chain is expected to emerge.
The Batten Learning Day has reinforced the importance of quality and compliance. It has also underlined the risks associated with substandard products. The initiative marks a step forward for industry best practice.
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Tags: NWTTA, NWTTA Batten Learning Day, roofing battens UK, wood and panel, wood protection standards, woodworking industry, woodworking UK
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